Taking synthetic antibiotics can wreak havoc with your
body’s delicate balance, so try these natural alternatives to help you battle
the bugs and boost your immune system
Getting your doctor to prescribe you antibiotics is a
tall order these days, but our GPs aren’t trying to make us suffer. Modern
reliance and over-use of the drugs for decades have led to new strains of
bacteria that are resistant to many commonly used antibiotics.
This means GPs
are extra careful not to give out antibiotics if they believe you have a viral
infection, and you may feel short changed walking away from your visit empty
handed.
If you’re prescribed antibiotics, it’s because you really need them to
get better and fight infection, but for minor ailments, coughs and colds, and
to boost your immune system, there are many foods, herbs and extracts that
boast bacteria, fungus and viral-fighting properties.
Five natural
antibiotics to try
1. Onions
The sulphur in onions that gives them their strong
smell and distinct taste is thought to have diuretic and anti-bacterial
properties. As well as traditionally being used in a similar way to garlic for
fighting minor colds, syrups made from onions are thought to work as an
expectorant for nasty coughs. They also improve blood flow and are
anti-inflammatory. So make sure you’ve got a big helping in your spag bol
tonight.
2. Garlic
One of the oldest medicinal plants, garlic has been
used in many cultures for its antibiotic properties and ability to ward off
colds and flu. The chemical allicin that gives garlic its strong taste and
smell is thought to also give it its therapeutic power. Studies have suggested
it can lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. Plus, a recent
study found that it was more effective at treating food poisoning than standard
drugs.
3. Green tea
Though not quite an antibiotic food, green tea has
been shown in scientific studies to help antibiotics work well, so you’re less
likely to need to take another course of them. As well as being chockablock
with antioxidants and generally great for you, it’s a fairly low caffeine
choice and could also make even resistant bacteria susceptible to
antibiotics.
4. Honey
Good externally for cuts and infections, honey, and
especially Manuka honey, from bees that feed exclusively on the manuka bush in
New Zealand and Australia, is well known for its antibiotic properties.
Containing antimicrobial enzymes that release hydrogen peroxide, honey can help
prohibit the growth of bacteria and has been used to treat external and
internal bacterial infections, including stomach ulcers. A dab of Manuka honey
on wounds keeps infection way.
5. Echinacea
chinacea
A plant extract, Echinacea is known for battling a
wide range of bugs, both bacterial and viral. It also stimulates your immune
system so that your white blood cells fight off infections more
effectively. Studies have shown that taking a daily Echinacea supplement
can reduce your chance of catching a cold by around 58 per cent and will reduce
the amount of time you are sick. Its effectiveness can wear off though, so it’s
recommended you only take it in bursts of a few weeks, particularly during the
sickly winter months and if you feel you’re coming down with something.
Yahoo Lifestyle
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